Panama Life Hub Insider
Your Weekly Digest for Expat Life in Panama
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
A Note from the Editor
Welcome to the first "back to routine" edition of 2026.
Today, we close the holiday cycle with Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes). In this edition, we focus on strictly logistical and compliance matters for the coming days: the start of the Christmas tree recycling operation, the official lineup for the Panama Jazz Festival, and the mandatory restrictions for this Friday, January 9th, a day of national mourning.
We remain committed to providing accurate and relevant information for your life in Panama.
Carlos Chen Editor, Panama Life Hub Insider
🗞️ Weekly Summary: News & Insights
1. Post-Christmas Logistics: Tree Recycling Begins (Panama City)
- News Summary: The Urban and Domiciliary Cleansing Authority (AAUD) has set up strategic drop-off points throughout Panama City (such as the Mirador del Pacífico and the Rommel Fernández Stadium parking lots) for the proper disposal of natural Christmas trees. Authorities warn residents not to place these trees in regular dumpsters, as garbage compactors are not designed for this type of waste and can be damaged.
- What This Means for You: Avoid fines and issues with your building administration. If you bought a natural tree, please utilize these designated collection points. It is an excellent opportunity to practice recycling, as these trees are often chipped into organic mulch for city parks.
- Link to Source: AAUD.gob.pa/
2. Culture: Countdown to the Panama Jazz Festival 2026
- News Summary: With the festival scheduled to begin next Monday, January 12th, Ciudad del Saber is already reporting high activity in preparation for clinics and stages. This year celebrates the 23rd edition with a focus on music education and sustainability. Thousands of international visitors are expected to arrive in the city this week for the galas at the Ateneo.
- What This Means for You: If you still don't have tickets, this is the last week to get them before headline shows sell out. If you live near Clayton or Albrook, anticipate an increase in internal traffic within Ciudad del Saber throughout next week.
- Link to Source: Panamajazzfestival.com/eventos/
3. Mandatory Holiday: Restrictions for January 9th (Martyrs' Day)
- News Summary: Friday, January 9, 2026, is a mandatory Day of National Mourning (it is not moved to Monday). The Panama City Mayor's Office has decreed the suspension of all "joyful" activities, including loud music and parties, from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM. Additionally, the "Dry Law" (Ley Seca) is in effect, prohibiting the sale and public consumption of alcohol for the entire day.
- What This Means for You: This is a day of deep patriotic sensitivity in Panama. While supermarkets and shops remain open, alcohol sections will be roped off and inaccessible. Since it creates a long weekend (Friday to Sunday), expect heavy traffic heading to the interior starting Thursday afternoon.
- Link to Source: Telemetro.com/
🎯 Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive
"Veranito" Season: What to do with the kids this summer?
In Panama, local schools are currently on their long break (lasting until March). This means that this week kicks off the season of the famous "Veranitos"—summer camps designed to take advantage of the dry weather.
For the expat community, this offers several advantages:
- Cultural Immersion: Many sporting clubs (like Club Unión or the Golf Club) and art academies in Casco Antiguo offer programs where expat children can interact with local kids outside of the international school environment.
- Activities in Ciudad del Saber: The Clayton campus becomes the epicenter for scientific, sports, and artistic "veranitos." It is a safe, green environment perfect for kids to burn off energy while parents work or enjoy the Jazz Festival.
- Water Sports: With the arrival of the winds, it is peak season for kitesurfing in Punta Chame, or starting sailing lessons on the Amador Causeway.
Logistics Tip: If you are looking to enroll your children, registration usually closes this week. Check the social media of institutions like the Biomuseo or Alliance Française for bilingual cultural programs.
👋 Your Next Step in Panama
Thank you for reading us at the start of this year. We are here to ensure your life in Panama is informed and enjoyable throughout the summer.
Missed a year-end update?🔗 Access our full archive here: https://newsletter.panamalifehub.com/
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